Information for Senior Parents

January-February

Travel Arrangements

Travel Arrangements

If you have not done so already, make your travel arrangements to campus early. There are several schools in the area so hotels will fill up quickly. Visit Philly is a great place to start your hotel search.

Graduate School Testing

Graduate School Testing

The career services website has links to information on where and when to take the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT. Students with disabilities can request accommodations for these tests through the Weingarten Center at 215-573-9235.

Graduation Registration

There are two parts to graduation: the school ceremony and the University Commencement. Students need to register to participate in their school’s graduation ceremony, but they don’t need to register to be part of Commencement. Students should connect with their advisors to ensure that they’ve met all curriculum requirements for graduation.

Career Services Spring Fairs

Career Services holds a number of career fairs throughout the spring semester and regularly updates their Events Calendar.

To assist with their job search, thousands of internship and post-graduate positions are also posted regularly on the Career Services platform, Handshake.

March-April

Commencement Tickets

Talk to your student about their school’s ticket policies. The College, SEAS, and Wharton ceremonies do not require tickets for general admission. Nursing students will receive information via email in the spring regarding ticket requests. Tickets are not required for the University Commencement on May 15.

Commencement Guest Disability Accommodations

Request disability accommodated seating by visiting the main Commencement website and by contacting your student’s individual schools. Remember, the University Commencement and the school ceremonies are separate events that require separate requests.

Cap & Gown

Encourage your student to purchase their cap and gown at the Penn Bookstore’s Graduation Fair March 22, 23 & 24. The event is a one-stop shop for information about regalia, diploma frames, class rings, personalized announcements, and other graduation-related items.

SRFS

If applicable, clear any student account balance to avoid your student’s diploma being withheld. Contact Student Registration and Financial Services with questions at 215-898-1988 or sfsmail@pobox.upenn.edu. Students with federal student loans should be sure to complete required exit counseling.

Diplomas

Diplomas are mailed in July for May grads and October for August grads. To ensure that your student receives theirs, be sure that Path@Penn has an active Diploma Mailing address. Contact the Office of the University Secretary at 215-898-7007 to update your information.

Transcripts

The Office of the University Registrar makes electronic transcripts available for order within Path@Penn. Learn more on the Registrar’s website.

May

Commencement Mobile App

Look for an email invitation to download the Commencement Mobile App for up-to-date information about school ceremonies and the schedule of events.

Alumni Career Services

Career Services is available to alumni, too. Encourage your student to complete their Career Plans Survey and to visit Career Services to learn about networking opportunities and other resources offered to alumni.

Dining

All students on a dining plan should be reminded that dining swipes expire on Tuesday, May 9, and Dining Dollars will expire on Monday, May 15.  Students can find hours of operations for dining cafés on Penn Dining’s website.

Move Out

Graduating seniors living in a College House must move out by noon on Tuesday, May 16. Students can find reminders and tips for moving on Residential Services’ website.

PennCash

Remind your student to close out their PennCash account by requesting a refund or donating the remaining balance to The Penn Fund. Information on both options is available at the PennCash website.

Contact Update

At New Alumni Orientation during Senior Week, students can update their contact information in MyPenn.

Commencement Weekend May 13-15

School Ceremonies

School Ceremonies

The Kodak moment you’ve been anticipating for four years happens during your student’s school ceremony. Your student’s name will be called, and they’ll walk across the stage. See the schedule of ceremonies at the end of the checklist.

University-wide Commencement

University-wide Commencement

Attend the university-wide commencement at Franklin Field on Monday, May 15. This ceremony features the conferral of degrees, the introduction of honorary degree recipients, and the Commencement Speaker.